How To Create A Healthy Home Environment For People With Asthma

Do you want to know what you can do to make your home or business safe for people with asthma? You, too maybe be one of many people who live with asthma, and if so, you’re not alone. In the UK, around 5.4 million people are receiving treatment for asthma, and managing the condition can be a nuisance.

In this blog post, we look at what can you do to make your space more comfortable for people with asthma and similar breathing conditions like hayfever.

Focus your efforts on controlling allergens, and some of the ways to do it are by preventing the growth of mould, creating smoke and getting rid of dust and dander.

Avoid Dust and Dander

Dust mites are a widespread trigger for asthma and allergy. They thrive in the dust particles that gather in different parts of our homes and workplaces.

Moreover, pollen and dander also trigger asthma symptoms. Dander refers to the dead skin cells of both pets and humans. You need to regularly clean places where these such particles may collect.

Here are a few useful tips to keep dust to a minimum in your home or workplace.

• Keep the space dry at all times
• Do not use wall-to-wall carpeting as it tends to gather dust
• Use allergen-proof fabric covers
• Vacuum your rugs at home regularly or use a professional cleaning service
• Do not use upholstered furniture, i.e. use leather or vinyl
• Clean your binds regularly with a professional blind cleaning service
• Wash your pets regularly and keep them away from upholstered furniture

Prevent Mould

Mould is one of the major culprits behind asthma, as well as congestion and other similar symptoms. Avoiding moisture is probably the best way to prevent mould from building up.

Let us look at some ways to avoid trapping moisture in your home or workplace:

• Do not leave wet clothes in a washing machine for long periods
• Use dehumidifiers in humid areas such as basements
• Clean bathroom tiles and shower curtains with mould-killing chemicals
• Avoid keeping indoor plants in bedrooms
• Fix leaks or seepage immediately
• Ensure ventilation in the kitchen and bathroom with exhaust fans
• Avoid excessive use of humidifiers and clean them regularly

Don’t Smoke

While you may feel that your smoking has nothing to do with another person, secondhand smoke is very hazardous and can cause asthma, lung cancer, and a range of other diseases. If you want to create a safe space for people with asthma, do not smoke around them.

Avoid Burning Wood

The smoke produced from burning wood can emit some pretty dangerous gases, such as:

• Nitrogen oxides
• Carbon monoxide
• Volatile organic compounds
• Carbon dioxide
• Methane

Moreover, it can also cause particulate pollution. All of these factors put people living with asthma at risk. You should avoid burning wood to create a safe environment for people living with asthma.

Use the Right Cleaning Products

People with asthma may sometimes have a negative reaction to chemicals present in disinfectants or other cleaning products. However, you cannot stop cleaning altogether – you need to control dirt and dust to prevent asthma triggers.

Try using non-chemical cleaners, such as vinegar and water, or even soap and water. These mixtures tend to work well for cleaning surfaces. If you still need something more powerful, you can look for environmentally friendly products.

These products are not just effective but also inexpensive. Ensure that you read the ingredients and check for allergens before using the product around people with asthma.

Control Cockroaches

Yes, those pesky creatures can actually be very harmful to people with asthma. Cockroach droppings consist of a protein that can trigger symptoms of asthma. Cleaning your space is probably the best thing you can do to keep cockroaches at bay. They need water to survive, so ensuring a dry environment is key.

In addition, cockroaches survive on what we leave behind. Regular cleaning will go a long way to ensure that they do not find your home or office a favourable living environment. It also helps block cracks and gaps in the walls and floors or other similar openings that might allow cockroaches to enter.

Switch to Safer Equipment

Machinery and other heavy equipment may produce irritants that are hazardous for health. If you feel that your machines are triggering asthma symptoms for people, explore options for replacements.

Ideally, look for equipment that releases less dust, mist, and other such pollutants. These materials can irritate people’s airways and lead to a range of lung issues, including asthma symptoms.

Wrapping Up

Without the right precautions, people with asthma can face major health issues. As responsible citizens, we should all follow these steps to ensure a better living environment for people living with asthma. Most of these practices are not very difficult.

Ensuring cleanliness and reducing chemical usage are key to creating a safe and healthy space for people with asthma. It is also good to hire professional services to ensure that all allergens are dealt with effectively.